2008 is almost over and most of us are sighing a big relief. First off, I want to apologize for being absent so much online. It's been one hellava year. We have so much to be thankful for…mostly being that we made it this far. In the last 13 months Tom and I were blessed with 3 new grandkids. We lost my Dad to cancer. Tom has struggled with heart problems. Our web servers were in a fire. I became a full time grandmother (24/7 thing) of a three year old little boy with special needs. I found muscles I didn't know I had. But, I can now sing every word to The Wiggles, Big Red Car, I can bowl on a Wii, I can change a messy diaper in a matter of seconds, and most of all I can mop the bathroom floor, change clothes and dry my hair in a few minutes after giving a bath to a little one. I had forgotten how rewarding little ones can be on a daily bases.
Remember back when I posted the local Rotary Club had some raffle tickets for a BBQ grill and some casino goodies?
Well ya'll didn't jump at it and I did. I bought 10 tickets (didn't want to look bad for not selling any) and I won the grand prize worth over
$1,000! Hotel stays, spa coupons, buffet coupons, umbrella, BBQ utensil set with carrying case and a $750 Brinkman smoker/gas grill. With all the casinos and
people coming and going we are still a very small community of residents, so when something comes up like this…hey your chances are really good! The Rotary
did raise a substantial amount from the raffle for a scholarship for a local high school senior.
The casino scene is ever changing. 2008 has been full of renovations, new games, employee turn overs, and countless dining changes. Can you remember the last time you went to a casino and nothing changed? I wonder what is in store for 2009?
On several occasions I have had people to ask about the Old Hollywood Café. Not affiliated with Hollywood casino, but the one many of you have seen on the
food network. I had not visited there since the change in ownership for a real sit down meal until a few weeks ago. I met Steve Bourie (author of American
Casino Guide) and his wife, Michelle for dinner on a rainy night. I mention rainy because that had to be the reason for the low number of diners. The
Hollywood Café is known for their famous fried dill pickles and fried green tomatoes.
As you most know I don't give bad reviews, I just don't give one if it is bad. Hollywood Café was a disappointment as far as menu selections, but made
up for it in atmosphere. Having your meal served in a red plastic basket with paper has been replaced by real plates and silverware. The area where many
musicians have played in the past has been replaced with a bar and a big wine selection. My thoughts are the new owners did some updates to accommodate the
changing social population and tourists. All in all the Hollywood Café is a pleasant experience, just not what you think from watching the reruns on
foodnetwork or was it the travel channel? Oh and by the way I had grilled chicken fingers which were okay and Michelle had the fried catfish filets which she
said were very good. Fried dill pickles were our appetizer and the serving was generous with a delightful sauce.
I would like to hear your opinion if you stop by the Hollywood Café.
Oh My Gosh! The Casino Factory Shopppes Mall has some fantastic bargains. So I am told 3 shops won't be renewing their leases. K&B Toys has had
80% off! If you are a bargain hunter, stopping at the outlet mall is definitely worth your time when you are in town. Oh…. Two more ways to save, no actually
3.
1) The mall puts out a coupon book every spring for each store good for a year. You can get a coupon book by stopping in Captiva and asking for one, or the
mall office located in the northern corner.
2) Most of the shops that are chain stores offer online email offers and coupons if you sign up. (I got one this month for 75% off at Haggar's)
3) Punch cards. So many punches you get a percentage off your purchase. The Paper Factory (they are going out), Carter's, Bali, and etc. It adds up plus
the already low prices!
Happy Shopping….. Happy Savings! As they say don't go home empty handed!
Resorts and Bally's offer gifts twice a week to pick up from mail out offers. If you aren't on their mail out list you may want to consider giving
them some play and getting on their list. Yesterday I picked up a leather travel bag, a big bag I can pack with several day's worth of clothes. Of course
in all things there is balance…..this bag makes up for the wooden spoons week lol.
Tom and I had a blast with our Casino gifts this Christmas. I wrapped all 50 that we could part with and let my kids play a game unwrapping, swapping, and
probably regifting later. After all who could use 4 mixers and 3 toasters?
I also pledge to be more available in 2009. Tunicaone and Tunica-ms have been updated on events and entertainment we had available. Also we will restart our contests and newsletters up again. It's been awhile and we did have fun with those.
Anyone out there enjoying Star Trek Slot machine as much as me? I have reached the second level games but still like the first rounds better so far.
By the way that lucky man I am married to won the jackpot on one of those Aussie machines at Resorts the other day for $932 then, went to Sam's and got
4x's 4x's 7 for somewhere are round $600.
Then hit Blazing 777's for $425. I wish my days were like that. Talk about balance…he wins, I spend.
A couple of weeks ago we did the big Sam's Town Slot Tourney. I think there was around $15,000 prize money. Tom won $100. I got a piece of cake. If you get a chance do those…..this one was free.
I also heard a rumor that someone won one of the IGT jackpots of over a million. The winners first time in a casino and had just turned 21. I will see if that one is true and let you know. An over-servered player at the tables told me that last night lol.
Oh…. Gold Strike has a new nightclub called the Red Door. We are going to go check it out. Also heard a rumor it was so successful there are already plans on expansion. Anyone been yet?
Don't forget Paula Deen has desserts to go! Been there done that about 4 times already, I have never been disappointed.
The casinos started filling up again the last few days. Strange feeling after being able to get machines you wanted and no lines. LOL…. The lines are back! Tonight are balloon drops, free favors, and champagne flowing everywhere……. Gotta run put my shoes on.
Happy New Year's Everyone! Thank you all for the posts, the smiles, laughs, and friendships in 2008!
Look out 2009! Wishing you Happy Casinoing and lots of Jackpots, most of all lots of smiles.
Jen
its really good to hear from you.
